On January 8, 2026, Mayor Danny Avula announced that City Hall's Observation Deck has reopened to the general public. The 18th floor overlook closed to the general public in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"For decades, the City Hall Observation Deck has been one of Richmond's gems," said Mayor Danny Avula. "It's a place where you can step back, see our city from a new perspective, and appreciate how all our neighborhoods connect in ways that aren't always visible from the ground. Reopening the Observation Deck has been a major goal during my first year in office, and I'm so thrilled that we've been able to put the processes in place to welcome Richmonders back to this special space."

Updating security measures and elevator logistics enabled the reopening. "All our recent changes to City Hall have been about making sure residents and visitors feel welcome in the space," said Director of General Services Gail Johnson. "From our updated signage and new concierge on the first floor to renewed access to the Observation Deck, we want community members to know that this building is for them."

"City Hall is and always will be the people's house," said CAO Odie Donald II. "Opening this space is a reminder that buildings are also places of pride, connection, and perspective to the people they serve. From 18 floors up, you can see just how connected our city truly is-and now we have a safe and welcoming space for the public."

Currently, the Observation Deck is open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding City holidays), weather permitting. Members of the public can access the Observation Deck through a dedicated elevator. Explore the "Visiting City Hall" webpage for more information about reaching the Observation Deck and other City Hall services.